Mistakenly released inmate captured by U.S. marshals

Poorly trained Hinds County employees likely contributed to release

U.S. marshals have captured an inmate who was released by mistake from the Hinds County Detention Center.

Demondrick Calhoun was captured about 10 a.m. Wednesday in Sidon, which is in Leflore County, the Marshal Service said. Information from Calhoun's family members led to his capture, marshals said.

Authorities said Calhoun made his way to Holmes County on Monday, where he stopped to see his wife.

Calhoun was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County, the Marshal Service said.

Calhoun was convicted of forgery and given a five-year sentence. He was being held on court order in Hinds County after being arrested in Holmes County for a probation violation.

Chief Deputy Chris Picou said the Hinds County Sheriff's Department is investigating why Calhoun was brought back to the Hinds County Detention Center instead being taken into custody by the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Authorities said poorly trained employees and an antiquated computer system for tracking inmates likely contributed to the inmate being released on June 6.

"Due to the lack of technology in our computer system, he was mistakenly released on a bad check warrant," Picou said. "That's what we're investigating now -- how this occurred and what we can put in place to keep it from happening again."

Picou and Sheriff's Department attorney Dana Price said they are investigating Calhoun's release. Picou said reprimands are likely once the investigation is complete.

Faulty locks and doors have been blamed for two escapes this year from the Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond. The county has approved funding for emergency repairs.

"We're working toward fixing these problems," Picou said.

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